Baby tapir adds cuteness to Dublin Zoo

Just look at that face! The Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of this baby tapir.

What’s white and brown and adorable all over? The new Brazilian tapir calf born earlier this month at the Dublin Zoo!

Patrick Bolger Photography /

This calf will lose its white stripes and spots when he gets older.

The male calf is the first baby born to mom Rio. Like all tapir calves, the baby was born with white spots and stripes that mimic dappled sunlight on the forest floor, acting as camouflage in the wild. The markings will disappear when the young calf reaches adulthood.

Patrick Bolger Photography /

Tapirs are excellent swimmers and can dive to feed on aquatic plants.

Patrick Bolger Photography /

Watch out! The male calf goes for a run at the Dublin Zoo.

“We are delighted with the birth of the tapir calf," team leader Eddie O’Brien said in a press release. "Mum and calf are doing very well ... the calf was up and about quickly after he was born, he is really inquisitive!”

Take a look at more adorable photos of this newborn below!

Patrick Bolger Photography /

This is the first calf for mom Rio but number 17 for dad Marmaduke.

Patrick Bolger Photography /

Tapirs are nocturnal mammals native to the tropics of South and Central America.

Patrick Bolger Photography /

The short trunk on tapirs is used to grab branches and leaves as well as help them pluck fruit.

Patrick Bolger Photography /

Tapir in action: Nothing can stop this calf from exploring his surroundings!

Patrick Bolger Photography /

Snack break: Tapirs feed in the mornings and evenings.

Patrick Bolger Photography /

This little guy will one day have a coat that looks more like mom and dad's after he loses his white spots and stripes.